Issues in rich country cities

Housing

Population in the UK has increased by 7% since 1971 and this rate of growth is predicted to continue, giving a population of 52.5 million in England by 2021. The number of households has risen by 30% since 1971. Most of this increase is because more people live alone - some 7 million of the UK's population. New single-person households account for 70% of the increased demand for housing. This is due to people leaving home to rent or buy younger than previously, marrying later, getting divorced and living longer. A third of single-person households are aged over 65.The government target is to build 240,000 new houses every year by 2016 so that house prices do not spiral out of control as a result of a shortage. Many of these new homes will be built throughout existing towns and cities, with a target of 60% to be built on brownfield sites - areas that have been previously built on, usually in the inner city. However, some housing will inevitably be built on greenfield sites - areas that have not previously been built on, usually on the edge of the city.

Advantages of building on greenfield and brownfield sites

Traffic

As we demand greater mobility and accessibility with flexibility, the number of cars has increased, as has the problem of traffic congestion. More people have more money and welcome the door-to-door service that comes with having a car. Man households (27% in 2002) have more than one car, while 45% have one car. Some of the environmental problems are: · standing traffic and congestion · air and noise pollution · an adverse impact on buildings and environmental quality generally · buildings discoloured Strategies designed to reduce the use of cars in cities: · encouraging cycling · making public transport more attractive · introducing park-and-ride schemes (York) · congestion charging (London) · oyster cards (London) · bus lanes · trams (Sheffield)